Ancient Statue of Hermes Uncovered in Bulgaria's Heraclea Sintica Excavation

During the excavation works in the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica, situated on the slope of the volcanic hill Kozhuh near Petrich, a team of archaeologists led by Dr. Lyudmil Vagalinski made a remarkable discovery. It was the third day of their excavations when they unearthed a well-preserved statue dating back to the 2nd century A.D.

Depiction of the Greek God Hermes

The statue, standing taller than 6'5'', is believed to be a depiction of the ancient Greek god Hermes. This discovery is the first of its kind found in Bulgaria and is a significant addition to the historical artifacts found in the region. The rarity of the find lies in the fact that very few similar statues are preserved in the world, with many missing their heads. The archeologists are convinced that this statue was a Roman copy of a Greek original, and it was buried to preserve it after the rise of Christianity.

Historical Significance

According to Dr. Vagalinski, the urban city of Heraclea Sintica was modern for its time and built with great elegance. The discovery of this statue provides valuable insight into the cultural and religious practices of the region during the Roman Empire. The team has been conducting excavations in the area since 2007, and the findings have shed light on the sophisticated nature of the ancient city.

Preservation and Display

It is believed that the former inhabitants of the town may have buried the statue during an earthquake, intending to protect it from damage. The archaeologists have documented the excavation process through images, showing the careful extraction of the statue from its position. Plans are underway to transport the statue to the Petrich Museum, where it will be restored and displayed for public viewing. This significant discovery adds to the cultural heritage of Bulgaria and provides a deeper understanding of the ancient civilizations that thrived in the region.

For more information on this discovery, CBS News has reached out to Dr. Lyudmil Vagalinski, the leader of the archaeological team.